Join the rangers on a circular walk from Lewes to Blackcap taking in the autumn colours of Ashcombe Bottom, discovering the history and management of this ancient site. Soak up big skies and feel on top of the world.

This October marks thirty years since the Great Storm flattened hundreds of thousands of trees across National Trust woodland. The losses were severe but the storm became a chance to re-evaluate the way we work in the outdoors.

Enjoying some autumn colour. Walking the dog. Walking off lunch. Walking the 100 miles of the South Downs Way. Whatever your reasons for stepping out on the South Downs, there’s a route that’s right for you.

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Facilities and access

General

Toilets in Ditchling village

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times. No dog litter bins, so please take litter home

A great place for a picnic

Ditchling Beacon car park just off Ditchling Road. OS TQ 333130, Coordinates 50.9008406000, -0.1051855090. NT members can park for free, payment for parking for non members at Ditchling Beacon must be made using the RingGo system. It’s quick and easy to use – either use the RingGo smartphone apps on the site or call ahead from home on 01372 885500. All you need to start is your car’s registration and the Ditchling Beacon location number 8507. You will also be asked to key in your credit or debit card number. There’s not need to display a ticket after paying in this way as a record is generated for our car park staff. To pay online and for more information go to www.myRingGO.co.uk. Paying prior to arrival cannot guarantee you a parking space.

Family

Ditchling Beacon is the perfect spot for a family picnic with plenty of space to run around and fly kites

Topmost viewing point is accessible for most children's buggies

Accessibility

Car park is surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs

Assistance is advised when crossing road

Nearest accessible toilets can be found in Ditchling village

Area surrounding car park is suitable for wheelchairs

Top-most view point is accessed by fairly steep ascents with unlevel terrain, which may prove challenging for wheelchair users

Ditchling Beacon

Overview

Panoramic views from the top of world

Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look south out to sea, north across the Weald or east-west across the Downs.

As the name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon. Visible for miles around, the Beacon would be maintained ready to light in times of imminent invasion.

The site is also of archaeological interest, with remains of an Iron Age hillfort.

Neighbouring Ditchling Down lies to the west of Ditchling Beacon, and is a prime example of chalk downland. Walk the path along the scarp slope, passing through the disused chalk pits grazed by sheep and dotted with wild flowers throughout spring and summer.

Please note: There is a small charge of £2 per day to park at Ditchling Beacon (parking for National Trust members is free) which helps towards the care of National Trust places on the South Downs. You can pay for parking using the RingGo system either using their smartphone apps or calling 01372 885500. All you need to start is your car’s registration and the Ditchling Beacon location number 8507. You will also be asked to key in your credit or debit card number. There are also options for cash payment on arrival at Ditchling Beacon.

There’s not need to display a ticket after paying in this way as a record is generated for our car park staff. To pay online and for more information go to www.myRingGO.co.uk. If you choose to pay prior to arrival we cannot guarantee you a parking space. NT members and blue badge holders can park for free.

Brighton and Hove 79, Brighton Old Steine or Brighton Railway Station to Ditchling Beacon, Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year, Saturdays during the summer season. Alight Ditchling Beacon car park

Prices

Admission free

What is Gift Aid?

Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:

Gift Aid Admission or

Standard admission

If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.

Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.

An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.

Gift Aid

Standard

Amount paid by visitor

£11.00

£10.00

Tax refund from Government*

£2.75

£0.00

Total received by the National Trust

£13.75

£10.00

*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.